Knap Weed Traditional Cache

Spotted Knapweed: Centaurea maculosa, the spotted knapweed, is a species of Centaurea native to eastern Europe.

Centaurea^] is a genus of between 350 and 600  species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Members of the genus are found only north of the equator, mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere; the Middle East and surrounding regions are particularly species-rich. Common names for this genus are centaury, centory, starthistles, knapweeds, centaureas and the more ambiguous "bluets"; a vernacular name used for these plants in parts of England is "loggerheads" (Common Knapweed). The Plectocephalus group – possibly a distinct genus – is known as basketflowers. "Cornflowers" is used for a few species, but that term more often specifically means C. cyanus (sometimes also called "Basket Flower"). The common name "centaury" is sometimes used, although this also refers to the unrelated plant genus Centaurium.

Due to their habit of dominating ecosystems under good conditions, many Centaurea species can become invasive weeds in regions where they are not native. In parts of North America, Diffuse Knapweed (C. diffusa), Spotted knapweed (C. maculosa) and Yellow Starthistle (C. solstitialis) cause severe problems in agriculture due to their uncontrolled spread. 

It has been introduced to North America,[1] where it is considered an invasive plant species in much of the western United States and Canada.[2] In 2000, C. maculosa occupied more than 7 million acres (28,000 km2) in the US.[2]

 Knapweed readily establishes itself and quickly expands in all growth forms in places of human disturbance such as industrial sites, along roadsides,and along sandy riverbanks, and also has the potential to spread into undisturbed natural areas.

Once it has been established at a disturbed site, it continues to spread into the surrounding habitat. This species outcompetes natives through at least three methods:

A tap root that sucks up water faster than the root systems of its neighbors,

Quick spread through high seed production, and

Low palatability, meaning it is less likely to be chosen as food by herbivores. It is also suspected to be allelopathic, releasing a toxin from its roots that stunts the growth of nearby plants of other species.

This year marks the 19th annual Sun Canyon Weed Whacker Rodeo and the 11th annual Teton Canyon Weed Pull. Volunteers have pulled thousands of pounds of knapweed over the years and have made a difference in reducing invasive weeds in these locations.

Noxious weeds, including spotted knapweed, displace native plants and contribute to erosion and the degradation of wildlife habitat. The groups hope to preserve Montana’s landscape and heritage by working together and having fun with community volunteers.

The cache is a camoed pill bottle, the push down and turn kind. It is tied in. It has only a rolled log with rubber band to hold it tight, so it will fit easily in the zip lock plastic bag and the cache. Please put the rubber band on your finger while you log, so you don't lose it. BYOP and no tweezers  please, they kill the plastic.